The Cleveland Cavaliers started the season with a hard fought 97-94 victory over last year’s playoff opponent, the Washington Wizards. The Cavs led early, but had numerous turnovers and converted only 50% of their free throws. This allowed the Wizards to stay close and almost pull off a victory at the end.

The Cavs were led by Larry Hughes with 27 and LeBron James with 26 as the duo showed a glimpse of what we can expect this season. Cleveland and their fans have put high expectations on this team; the Cavs need to concentrate on one game at a time.

San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman announced that he’s going to drop his appeal and start serving his four-game suspension due to a positive steroids test. That leaves the 2005 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and 2006 co-leader in sacks ineligible for Sunday’s game against the Browns.

The Browns are going to need all the help they can get this weekend. The Chargers boast one of the league’s best defenses and have a guy by the name of LaDainian Tomlinson on the other side of the ball. In his first season as a starter, Philip Rivers isn’t doing too bad as well. Merriman being out is one less thing the Browns have to worry about but the Chargers will still be a formidable test for the “rejuventated” Browns, much more so than the Jets.